Gulmarg’s legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of Asia’s premier hill resorts. Originally called Gaurimarg by shepherds, Gulmarg was discovered in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. It was also a favourite resort of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Today, Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty but also the country’s premier ski resort in winter when it is covered in snow and takes on the appearance of a picture postcard. In winter, Gulmarg acquires a new persona- that of the country’s premier skiing resort.
The famous shrine of Baba Reshi, a highly revered Kashmiri Sufi saint, is another attraction of Gulmarg and is thronged by thousands of devotees all year round.
Gulmarg was first established as a ski resort by the British who had set up the Ski club of India here in 1927. Skiing in Gulmarg had become very popular during the pre independence years. The resort used to host two major skiing events, one each during Christmas and Easter ski races. Gulmarg’s atmosphere was identified with European ski resorts of the 1940’s and 50’s – ‘the Alps of good old days’. It has good sunshine as well as good snow.
The skiing season usually commences just before Christmas and continues till early April. During 1998, Gulmarg hosted the first National Winter Games of India, for which the facilities were enormously improved and upgraded. Modern equipments like Kasse Bohrer Snow Beating Machine and snowmobiles were imported, as also the first phase of the Gulmarg Gondola Cable Car was commissioned. The resort facilities were further improved and upgraded for the 04th National Winter Games, which were also held here during 2003 -04.
Gulmarg is well suited for learning skiing. It has some of the best slopes for beginners and intermediate skiers, all serviced by ski lifts and chair lifts. Most of the skiing activities are centred on these slopes. Which have ski runs ranging from 200 to 900 mts. Good quality equipments including skis, boots, sticks, gloves and goggles, are all available on hire from the Government – run ski shop. Trained instructors are at hand for guiding amateur skiers. However, not all tourists who visit Gulmarg in winter come for skiing- some are simply there to watch the skiing or to enjoy a holiday in the snow. Many of them infected with the excitement of the skiers don their first pair of skis within a short while of their arrival.
Gulmarg also offers a host of other snow sports at this time of the year. The most popular among the tourists is riding a sledge and being pulled along the snow covered roads gentler slopes. Tobogganing also does not require any skills- a flat wooden board is taken up the hill and then allowed to slide downhill. Snowboarding, another exciting winter sport is also being introduced and promoted here. Making a snowman and holding camp fires around it amidst music and feasting is another popular activity indulged by the tourists. But the most enjoyable aspect of a winter sojourn in Gulmarg is the friendly atmosphere. It is like being in a family where everybody knows everyone else.
